12 Best affordable Chromebooks With Backlit keyboards -Buyer Guide

Chromebooks with backlit keyboards in the USA are excellent devices to get office or university work done in very little time with a great deal of convenience.

The best thing is to have a laptop with a backlit keyboard so that you can even work when there is dim lighting and see the keys clearly.

Moreover, it adds a lot of aesthetic value to the Chromebook and to your work area. There are many other advantages of using Chromebooks with backlit keyboards in the USA.

For starters, compared to a laptop, it is a much lighter computer and takes up very little space thanks to a compact design.

In this article, we review some of the top-selling Chromebooks on the market that come with backlit keyboards for your convenience.

Why should you buy a Chromebook with backlit keyboard?

For regular browsing and data processing tasks, it can be even more efficient than a regular laptop or desktop computer. It consumes less power so that is another plus point. Chromebooks are lighter and more portable than traditional laptops. You can do writing and drawing work on it more smoothly. You can access and run your favorite play store apps as well as your typical home and office work applications. You will also love its long battery life.

Which is the best affordable Chromebook with backlit keyboard to buy today?

It depends on your requirements, which one would be the best Chromebook for you. Based on the customer reviews and ratings ASUS Chromebook Flip C436 is one of the best Chromebooks with backlit keyboards you can buy right now. It comes with a beautiful design and solid build quality. Its powerful processor coupled with 8 GB RAM can handle multi-tasking and heavy applications without getting hanged. The Fingerprint reader provides you an additional security feature.

12 Best affordable Chromebooks with backlit keyboards in the USA

We have complied this list of 12 best Chromebooks purely based on the customer reviews and ratings. You can select the best one that fits your needs.

1. ASUS Chromebook Flip C436 ( Best Chromebook with backlit keyboard)
2. Asus Chromebook Flip C434
3. Google pixelbook go ga00519-us
4. Google Pixelbook GA00521-US
5. Lenovo Flex 5 ( Cheapest Chromebook with backlit keyboard )
6. Dell C7486-3250GRY-PUS
7. Hp Chromebook 15-de0517wm
8. Acer Chromebook spin 13 cp713-1wn-37v8
9. Acer Chromebook Spin 13 CP713-1WN-53NF
10. Acer Chromebook 514 ( budget Chromebook with backlit keyboard)
11. HP Chromebook x360
12. Google pixelbook GA00122-US

1. ASUS Chromebook Flip C436

Specifications

ASUS Chromebook Flip C436 Review:

ASUS Chromebook Flip C436 comes with a lot of promises and expectations as one of the best affordable Chromebooks with backlit keyboard in the USA. Being one of the biggest Chromebook manufacturers, one expects a seamless performance and a strong built quality from Asus chrome books.

Flip C436, however, is quite different from other Chromebooks. Firstly, C436 is a high-end Chromebook with the lighted keyboard. It does not fall under the category of mid-level or budget laptops. As far as the exterior is concerned, it comes with a super sleek bezel and a thin chassis.

Other alternatives, such as Pixelbook Go or Asus’ C434, come with average processors. However, they come with a long battery and are also less expensive than C436.

The exterior is sleek and sophisticated. It comes with a thin bezel display, and the magnesium alloy casing makes the body strong and sturdy. Considering the narrow bezel and thin chassis, the laptop is light and travel friendly.

This model comes in an ivory and silver color option. The backlit keyboard is wide and comfortable to use for daily computing tasks. The keys are smooth, and the fingerprint reader is simple to navigate.

The touchpad works seamlessly, and you won’t need to connect t with an external mouse. You can also use an external stylus as some models don’t come with one.

The external ports offered are sufficient for doing your day to tasks seamlessly. However, bear in mind that this model does not come with a Thunderbolt 3. A USB type C is situated on both sides of the Chromebook. An earphone jack and a slot for SD cards are also available.

The sound quality of built-in speakers isn’t too crisp either, and you can opt for a set of external speakers for streaming music and movies.

The 14-inch screen display projects clear visuals, and the cooling fan is slightly audible but does a great job in keeping the internal components cool.

The webcam is not recommended for making business calls due to the low resolution. However, you can use it for daily conference calls or Zoom meetings.

The bottom line:

ASUS Chromebook Flip C436 is the best Chromebook that has an eye-catching design with the strong build quality. Although it is not as light as conventional Chromebooks but considering the powerful processors that power C436, the extra weight can be overlooked.

2. Asus Chromebook Flip C434

Specifications

Asus Chromebook Flip C434 Review:

The Asus Chromebook Flip C434 is a powerful convertible laptop that features a stunning 14-inch 1080p display and a long battery life. This is a more advanced version of the C302CA model.

Unlike its predecessor models, C434 features a more stylish and sturdy aluminum exterior. These modifications have made the C434 model one of the best Chromebooks with a lighted keyboard that has been offered by Asus in recent times.

The lowest model in terms of price comes with a 4GB RAM and 64GB eMMC. More advanced models offer 8GB RAM, with 128GB eMMC for storage. If you want a more powerful laptop that comes with better storage options, then you can opt for the i5 or i7 version. The built and design of C434 resembles the exterior of Asus’ high-end Ultrabooks.

The matte finish casing looks stunning, and the display looks as if it has a bezel-free design. The thin bezels are sleek and offer an immersive visual experience.

The overall body of this Asus Chromebook with a backlit keyboard is compact, which makes it one of the best Chromebooks with backlit keyboards. The powerful battery is one of the most prominent features of C434, and the selection for ports is a balanced mix of Type C ports along with options for headphones and multimedia devices.

The bottom line:

However, the default storage space is good enough for doing your day to tasks seamlessly without lowering the processing speed, but you can also extend the storage capacity.

3. Google pixelbook go ga00519-us

Specifications

Google pixelbook go ga00519-us Review:

Earlier, Google launched various mid-range and high-end convertible Chromebooks. And with Pixelbook Go, it has entered the market of budget laptops. Google is known for experimenting with different niches of notebooks. And this time, it has come up with a new budget-friendly affordable Chromebook with backlit keyboard.

The exterior of Pixelbook Go is well designed. The metal exterior and strong base help to keep the device stable on different surfaces and the casing has a subtle matte finish.

Pixelbook Go may be a budget laptop, but it performs as good as any premium quality device. This laptop may disappoint you when it comes to connectivity options. Here, you will get two USB type C ports on both ends of the device.

However, just like Chromebook Flip C436, it lacks Thunderbolt 3. An earphone jack is also available. However, it lacks ports for USB-A, and there isn’t any slot available for using a microSD card to increase the device’s internal storage space.

The backlit keyboard, however, steals the show. It comes with a smooth matte finish, and the keys are evenly spaced out. Despite having a wide keyboard, the laptop looks sleek and compact. The keys hardly make any sounds while typing. There is also a key available to activate Google Assistant.

The trackpad itself is super smooth and highly responsive. There is also a set of built-in speakers situated on each side of the device. The HD screen display gives crisp and stunning visuals. You can use it to stream movies or watch videos on YouTube.

The bottom line:

Google’s Pixelbook Go is one of the affordable Chromebooks with a backlit keyboard. It works on Chrome OS, which means that there are certain limitations in downloading new applications and programs, including Adobe products and services.

Nevertheless, you can still download apps that are available at the Google Play store. Moreover, there are options for connecting the Chromebook to your Android smartphone. The battery life is long enough to last for 6 to 8 hours on medium to moderate usage.

4. Google Pixelbook GA00521-US

Specifications

Google Pixelbook GA00521-US Review:

Pixelbook GA00521 is a trusty and super sleek affordable Chromebook with backlit keyboard.  You can take it anywhere without worrying about the battery going down. The battery can last over 10 hours on a single charge.

It is quite handy when it comes to working remotely outside your office and collaborating with other team members online. You can use it for doing your day to day tasks such as checking emails, creating spreadsheets, making video calls, streaming movies, playing Android games, etc.

The best features of this laptop are its portability and long battery life. The battery doesn’t take much time to charge the device, and you don’t need to carry any backup device as you hardly ever run out of battery with this model.

Budget laptops, especially Chromebooks, are known to have hardware limitations. However, Pixelbook GA00521 stands out due to its fast processing speed. It comes with an 8th Generation Core processor and is powerful enough for doing day to tasks seamlessly.

The touchpad itself is wide and responsive. This model does not come with a conventional cooling system, and the system does not heat up quickly. When it comes to using Chromebook for entertainment purposes such as streaming movies and listening to music, this model does not disappoint. Powered by a set of stereo speakers and 13.3″ FHD display, you can use it to view movies and make video calls.

The bottom line:

Unlike the majority of Chromebooks, this version of Pixelbook Go offers a handful of security options. A Titan C chip and the device’s default antivirus software secures all your confidential files and client information. The tools run on Chrome OS, and the software offers frequent updates to keep the system up to date. The backlit keyboard with Hush Keys is perfect for all your complex typing tasks

5. Lenovo Flex 5 | Cheapest Chromebook with backlit keyboard

Specifications

Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 Review:

Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 is a Chromebook with touchscreen and backlit keyboard that comes with an impressive battery life of approximately ten solid hours. It is the cheapest Chromebook with backlit keyboard to buy today.

The Chromebook runs on an Intel Core i3 10th generation powered processor so that you can download huge files of data speedily. You can access all your files and amazing apps with your Google account.

This Chromebook has a memory of 4 GB DDR4. It can also be converted into a tablet for greater convenience. You can work in the go as this model boasts of a screen size of 13 inches.

This laptop features a backlit keyboard having a keyspace range of 1.4mm. This 360 degrees rotating feature and backlit keyboard make it easy to work while traveling or at home, amplifying your productivity.

You can enjoy full HD IPS visual display touchscreen accompanied with narrow bezels for more crisp and detailed pictures. Apart from watching clear movies, you can enjoy loud audio with stereo speakers. 

The bottom line:

With this Chromebook model, you get a 64 GB SSD storage space and better connectivity with plenty of ports. You get to use an audio jack, two USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports of type C, and a single USB 3.1 Gen 1 port of type A.

With all this and the built-in webcam, this model facilitates you with multitasking, including the speedy transfer of data, charging of the battery and downloading of files.

6. Dell C7486-3250GRY-PUS

Specifications

Dell C7486-3250GRY-PUS Review:

Dell Inspiron 14 is a convertible Chromebook with backlit keyboard. It offers multiple features at an affordable price. It features a powerful processor and comes with a smart, multi-touch display. It comes with a robust metallic body and a pen that fits comfortably inside the aluminum chassis.

The keyboard is backlit and is wide enough to type assignments and mails comfortably. The keys are appropriately distanced, and there is an even amount of space between all numeric and alphabet keys. The only drawback with this device is the heavy body and short battery life.

Moreover, the weight of the device itself is a lot for a convertible Chromebook. These two characteristics make this device not the best option for those looking for one of the best Chromebooks with backlit keyboards to use while traveling. The touchpad is responsive but isn’t too smooth to work with.

The screen hinges are also a bit tight. Moreover, some users may find it quite expensive compared with the features offered by other laptops under the same price range. Many users even compare it with Dell’s own 5482 Chromebook. Both models offer similar features under the same price range.

Dell C7486 is one of the best Chromebooks with HDMI port that allows you to connect it to a large monitor and show a big display.

The bottom line:

Being one of the best Chromebooks with backlit keyboard, this version comes with an 8th Generation i3 processor and 128GB eMMC. The storage capacity is much better than conventional Chromebooks that come with 16GB and 32GB storage. If you are someone who gives priority to features over battery performance, then you can consider buying Inspiron 7486.

7. Hp Chromebook 15-de0517wm

Specifications

Hp Chromebook 15-de0517wm Review:

Hp Chromebook 15 comes with a powerful processor and an equally powerful battery performance, making the device an excellent option for those who want to invest in a multifunctional Chromebook with backlit keyboard.

With HP Chromebook 15, you can expect a seamless performance, thanks to the latest Core i3 processor. The keyboard is backlit and spacious. The screen display and sound quality are probably the only drawbacks of this laptop.

However, if you compare this laptop’s overall performance with other budget Chromebooks with backlit keyboards available for the same price, you will find HP Chromebook to be a great bargain.

Despite the low display quality, the screen is wide and has a thin bezel design. This means that you can quickly work on your projects on the widescreen display if you are an editor or a digital artist. If you don’t mind the low resolution, you can consider investing in this model.

This version also comes with multiple features to protect your data from online viruses and intrusion. It comes with a default antivirus software and an option for backing up your data online.

It shares compatibility with numerous apps that you can use online and offline without affecting the laptop’s processing speed and overall performance. The 15.6 inch HD display is backlit and comes with a touch screen.

The bottom line:

The storage capacity is of 4GB DDR4 SDRAM, which is excellent for performing day to day computing tasks such as drafting emails, collaborating with co-workers online, creating presentations, and surfing the net seamlessly.

8. Acer Chromebook spin 13 cp713-1wn-37v8

Specifications

Acer Chromebook spin 13 Review:

Considering the price of Acer spin 13, it is surely not a budget Chromebook with backlit keyboard. It costs nearly what you would pay for a conventional laptop with Windows OS. Many factors justify the high price of this powerful Chromebook.

Firstly, the design is not what you get to see in regular Chromebooks. The entire body is made of metal instead of plastic. The system comes with 4GB LPDDR3. This means that the system is powerful enough for doing your daily tasks without any interruptions. 

The device is fully rotatable and can be positioned to different angles. This means you can use it as a tablet or on tented mode for office presentations. This is a multitasking device. Whether you want to skim through you emails, indulge in digital art, or stream movies, this laptop can seamlessly manage different computing tasks.

The device comes with two USB-C ports and a single USB-3 connector. You can also find options for an audio jack as well as a microSD card slot. You will not find any additional USB ports, and this might limit your work capacity. Also, an HDMI output is unavailable. This might seem a bit disappointing for Chromebook users.

This Chromebook weighs approximately 1.5 kg, having a thickness of 17mm. This model is a bit on the larger side compared to other models ofchromebook with lighted keyboard.

its body is quite bulky as compared to its Windows’ counterparts. The design has got nothing troublesome to it at first sight. The only bothering aspect is its weight that makes it inconvenient to use this model as a tablet.

The bottom line:

Overall, this is an excellent option for performing complex computing tasks with ease. Nevertheless, it might not be the best option for viewing movies or editing videos and images. The backlit keyboard and touchpad are smooth and give a seamless performance.

9. Acer Chromebook Spin 13 CP713-1WN-53NF

Acer Chromebook with backlit keyboard and stylus

Specifications

Acer Chromebook Spin 13 CP713-1WN-53NF Review:

Acer Spin 13 CP713 is a convertible Chromebook with touchscreen and backlit keyboard that is powered by an 8th Generation Core i5 processor. It features a stunning 13.5 inch HD display with a touchscreen. It comes with an internal memory of 8GB with 128GB eMMC.

The keyboard is backlit, and the entire body is made of premium aluminum. Since this model is also a convertible Chromebook, you can either use it as a conventional laptop or a tablet.

Since this Chromebook comes with a standard Chrome OS, it supports various apps and games available at the play store. It features multi-functional USB ports, and the USB Type C port can be used to transfer essential files and charge the device.

You can also use it for presentations or collaborate with other team members by switching it on tent-mode. The 360 degrees hinge is powerful enough for moving the device at different angles.

The stylus that comes with this model is an excellent tool for doodling, making notes, or creating digital designs.

The bottom line:

The Gorilla NBT touchscreen and glass coating protects the screen from dust and scratches. This model comes with a powerful battery that can last for more than 8 hours on a single charge.

10. Acer CB514 | Budget Chromebook with backlit keyboard

Specifications

Acer Chromebook 514 Review:

Acer CB514 is a budget Chromebook with backlit keyboard that comes with a premium metal chassis and has an aluminum metal body. It comes with an FHD display and offers plenty of options for wireless connectivity.

The long battery makes this device one of the best Chromebooks with backlit keyboards to use while traveling. Whether you want to download Google apps, download videos, or documents, you can count on this Chromebook for doing all your day-to-day computing tasks effortlessly.

This model comes with an Intel Celeron Quad-Core Processor, which makes the laptop powerful enough to store a large number of files without lowering the device’s processing speed.

The 14-inch FHD is LED-backlit, and when it comes to the storage capacity of this model, it features 4GB SDRAM and 64GB eMMC. The selection of ports features a mix of two USB Type-C and one USB 3.1 and 2 3.0 Ports.

The backlit keyboard makes typing more convenient. It helps you complete assignments and meet deadlines, even when it is dark. Now, you will not disturb your roommates by turning on the light. You can easily type away even in the midnight without making any mistakes.

Since this version comes with a Chrome OS, it is impossible to use all kinds of tools and software compatible with Windows OS. Still, you can use run Chrome versions of programs such as Microsoft Office or Skype.

The bottom line:

Acer Chromebook 514 is a budget Chromebook with backlit keyboard. It boots up quickly and comes with antivirus software to secure your confidential information and prevent cyber-attacks. The HDR front camera comes with a high resolution and is perfect for making video calls or collaborating with other team members online.

11. HP Chromebook x360

Specifications

HP Chromebook x360 Review:

Despite the limitations attached to Chromebooks in terms of storage capacity and compatibility with various apps and software, Chromebooks’ popularity doesn’t seem to decrease any time soon. The main reason behind the popularity of Chromebooks with backlit keyboard is their affordability and portability. 

Due to these reasons, HP appears to be one of the major brands that keep producing powerful Chromebooks such as the x360. The overall design of Chromebook x360 seems to be minimalistic yet stylish. The casing has a premium matte finish.

Moreover, this version is convertible, and the screen can be adjusted at different angles. You can either use it as a traditional Chromebook with backlit keyboard and touchscreen or use it in tent mode for showing presentations at the workplace. You can also download numerous apps from the Chrome store.

The laptop features a standard 14″ display, accompanied by a set of thin bezels for an immersive visual experience. The touchscreen itself is great for casual gaming or reading ebooks online.

This version hosts numerous USB ports, including a dual earphone and microphone jack. There is also a slot available for using a microSD card. There are two USB Type C ports, and the backlit keyboard is wide and spacious. The trackpad available in this model is smooth and responsive and works perfectly for day to day computing tasks.

The bottom line:

Since this model comes with a slot for Micro SD, you can expand the storage space if you need to store extra files on your laptop. The battery performance is probably one of the most vital features of this laptop. The battery can easily last for more than 8 hours without affecting the overall speed of the computer.

12. Google pixelbook GA00122-US

Specifications:

Google pixelbook GA00122-US Review:

Pixelbook GA00122 is yet another affordable Chromebook with backlit keyboard. The unique feature of this particular model is that it comes with a built-in virtual assistant. Like other pixel books mentioned in the list, this version also features a super-thin body and a long battery life.

It is powered by the 7th Generation core processor and 256GB SSD. It supports plenty of Android apps, including Youtube, Lightroom, and slack, for collaborating at work.

If you work from home or need to travel regularly, then you can consider investing in this model as you can access Slack to keep in touch with your co-workers at all times.

Moreover, this version comes with a long battery life. As long as you are not streaming movies or editing videos or images, the battery can easily last for 12 hours on a single charge. Therefore, you don’t need to carry any charger or power bank while traveling with this chrome book.

This model comes with a standard 12.3-inch touch display and gives stunning visuals that are perfect for viewing movies in HD or editing videos.

The 8GB memory is good enough for performing day to day computing tasks. Since there are limited options for upgrading the storage space, you need to rely on the device’s internal memory in most cases.

The bottom line:

Unlike most Chromebooks mentioned in the list, Pixelbook GA00122 features two USB types C ports and a dual earphone and microphone jack. Similarly, the laptop offers various options for wireless connectivity. It comes with Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity. The 720p front camera is perfect for making video calls, attending virtual classes, and collaborating with team members online.

So now you have seen all the amazing things that Chromebooks can do for you, especially when they are equipped with a nice backlit keyboard.

Investing in Chromebooks with backlit keyboards in the USA saves your time in doing a lot of work especially under a dim light environment, saves you money, and makes it easy for you to take the machine anywhere you want to go.

You can find many Chromebooks in this category that will give you great value for money. But now you will also know which Chromebook model will make the best purchase for you according to your budget and work requirements.

As you can see from the reviews, the best Chromebook does not have to cost you an arm and a leg. The right model will fall perfectly in your budget and will serve you for many years provided that you take good care of it. It will help you to make the best decision for your computing needs.